Candle Lanterns: An Artistic Addition to Your Home Decor

Interior designing is a vast discipline that includes under its fold a number of decorative aspects. The lighting scheme is one of the most important subjects among them. The lighting sets the mood. A dramatic use of illumination can transform a simple decor into the most attractive interior. In order to turn the house into the sweet home of your dream you have to work on your imagination. To get that extra edge, make intelligent use of unusual pieces and schemes of lighting. The candle lanterns perfectly fit the bill of such out of the turn surprises, which have the power to add a personality of its own to your home décor.

The design of these candle lanterns draws its inspiration mainly from ancient Indian and Oriental art and architecture. Placed in any corner of your home, either on the dining table or hung from the ceiling of your living room they are sure to draw the visitors’ attention to your aesthetic sensibilities. Bearing unmistakable rustic charms they are also suitable to be used in outdoors, in balconies or in the porches.

These exquisite lanterns are regarded as the rare pieces of handicrafts with the artistic intricacies by extremely skilled artisans. A lantern usually consists of three main parts namely the lantern candle, lantern lights and lantern mantles. They come in a variety of color and design to complement the varied styles and moods of home décor. They are made of such materials as frosted glass, brass, iron or copper. Costlier lanterns come complete with illustration on the exterior of the shades.

While choosing a proper candle lantern, take into consideration the following points.

• Go for those pieces in which the glass slides open thereby allowing you to light the exposed candle easily.
• Select a large one accommodating at least three candles so that you get a longer burn time and brighter light.
• 
  Use only the long-burning and drip-free candles in your lantern.
  
• Ask for a carrying case for giving the lantern protection at the time when it is not in use.

Although these lanterns are commonly used by the campers in tents, it should be done with utmost caution. They are used particularly at the time of winter camping as along with the light they also generate heat inside the tents. But be cautious so that the flames do not encounter hard blow of winds.

Source : http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle-lanterns.htm

Candle Making ? An ancient technique that is now a homegrown hobby.

Candles have been used throughout human history to make light at night times. Though we use electrical lights now, people still keep candles for emergencies. Scented candles are lit or used as decoration, and some use candle for meditation or prayer as the peaceful, natural light often brings a spiritual feeling. In ancient times and candles would be used as timekeepers, and also in recent history in the coal mining industry.

Candles are made from wax and have a wick usually made from string. The wick is lit and draws the wax up. Many people make their own candle for personal use or for sale, and the process is relatively simple. People have been making candles as far back as the ancient Egyptians, and the materials used have changed a lot. Early candles used fish oils, insects and seeds to make the wax, and cultures all over the world have different methods of adding perfume.

Firstly a candle maker needs to melt wax. In modern times the wax is usually made from tallow, which is fat from cows or sheep, though in the past other materials have been used. The wax will liquefy at high temperatures but it must be monitored carefully as it will produce highly flammable vapours at temperatures around 300F.

Moulds can be purchased with which to make the candles. These usually have a hole through which the wick is fed. The mould is turned upside down and the other end of the wick is tied to something such as a skewer. This is to keep it vertical so that it will run from one end of the candle to the other straight down the middle. The holes in the mould are sealed with special putty or metal tape, and the wax is poured in. As the wax dries it will shrink, so holes must be made in it to allow it to shrink without trapping air. These holes are filled in later with more wax.

These home made candles are often put into glass containers and become a centrepiece for a display or mood lighting for a special occasion.

John Gibb is the owner of candle making sources
For more information on candle making check out http://www.candle-making-guide4u.info

How to Know You Are Buying Quality Scented Candles

Making candles is a fun hobby enjoyed by thousands of people worldwide. It's relatively easy to do and is a great way to express your artistic abilities. From the choice of wax to the choice of candle shape, color and fragrance it's all in your hands. Don't fret though, if you don't want to become a candle maker you can still easily find quality scented candles online with easy online searches.

Candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Today one of the most popular candles are container candles, candles in clear glass jars with lids. These candles are especially nice because you can place them on an electric candle warmer instead of lighting the wick. The electric candle warmer heats and liquefies the wax releasing the fragrance into the air.

Of course fragranced pillar candles are still popular as are tea light candles. There is a never ending variety of candle holders such as candle sticks and tealight candle holders, wrought iron candle holders and candle wall sconces. Some of these candle holders are works of art unto themselves and can beautifully illuminate a room, while adding a lovely fragrance.

Some of the most popular quality scented candles on the market today are White Barn Candles and Classic Candles ScentSations Candles. These are modestly priced quality scented candles.

Don't be surprised though if you see some brands, such as Diptyque selling at $48.00. There is a big difference in quality of candles between makers. There are different types of wax, such as paraffin and natural soy wax, and then different grades of paraffin wax.


Candle making is an art that requires attention to detail as wax must be melted to a specific temperature before fragrance and coloring are added. It must then be cooled to a specific temperature before it can be poured into the container or mold. The choice of wick is important. A quality candle will have a long burn life and will burn evenly and cleanly.

There is also a big difference between quality of fragrances used. More expensive candle makers will use pure fragrances. These pure fragrances are expensive but the scent is unmistakable and clear. Some candle makers use inferior fragrances thereby requiring more. These scents can become muddled and unrecognizable. You may want to stay away from candles that claim to have the strongest scent. They can be overpowering. Most people who purchase fragranced pillar candles are looking for quality scented candles that have subtle fragrances.

To learn more about How to Make Candles please visit http://www.candle-review.com
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